Saul Leiter: The Centennial Retrospective

Saul Leiter was a revolutionary figure in twentieth-century photography who photographed and painted nearly every day for over sixty years, amassing an enormous archive. This retrospective celebrates his evocative color photographs of New York in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as his fashion photography for Harpers Bazaar. The monograph includes much that was previously unpublished, revealing the complete artist for the first time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2023
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Saul Leiter, a revolutionary figure in twentieth-century photography, is celebrated with an official retrospective marking his centennial birth. Over a span of sixty years, Leiter dedicated himself to capturing and creating art, amassing an extensive and unseen archive. His artistic journey began within the confines of his Lower Manhattan apartment, where he effortlessly found beauty in the most ordinary places. Leiter's renowned work, particularly his evocative color photographs of New York in the 1950s and 1960s, gained recognition decades after their creation, becoming a celebrated testament to his talent. In addition to his photographic prowess, he also achieved success as a fashion photographer for Harper's Bazaar. Throughout his career, Leiter maintained a deep passion for painting, exploring abstract watercolors, whimsical sketchbooks, and painted photographs.

Collaborating with the Saul Leiter Foundation, this comprehensive monograph presents a unified and comprehensive view of Leiter's artistic journey. It encompasses a vast array of his diverse yet interconnected bodies of work, including previously unpublished pieces, providing a profound insight into the complete artist for the first time. The retrospective showcases Leiter's exceptional talent, his unwavering dedication to his craft, and his ability to capture the essence of everyday life with a unique and visionary perspective.

As we delve into the retrospective, we are transported back to the streets of New York, where Leiter's camera captured the vibrant energy and spirit of the city. His color photographs, filled with rich hues and vibrant details, evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a bygone era. Leiter's ability to capture the essence of his subjects, whether it be the bustling streets, the architectural marvels, or the intimate moments of individuals, is truly remarkable.

In addition to his urban landscapes, Leiter's work also delves into the realm of fashion and portraiture. His fashion photographs for Harper's Bazaar showcase his keen eye for detail and his ability to capture the beauty of clothing and accessories. His portraits, whether they be of celebrities or ordinary people, exude a sense of authenticity and capture the essence of their personalities.

Leiter's artistic journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication and pursuit of creativity. His work serves as a reminder that beauty can be found in the most ordinary places, and that art has the power to transcend time and capture the essence of human experience. The retrospective offers a glimpse into Leiter's remarkable life and career, and serves as a celebration of his enduring legacy in the world of photography.

In conclusion, Saul Leiter's centennial retrospective is a testament to his extraordinary talent and his profound impact on the world of photography. Through his diverse bodies of work, Leiter has captured the essence of New York, fashion, and portraiture, and has left an indelible mark on the art world. This retrospective serves as a celebration of his life and career, and provides a glimpse into the creative genius of a true visionary.

Weight: 2560g
Dimension: 305 x 254 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500545577